DHAKA – At least 20 more people were killed yesterday in Bangladesh as police opened fire on students protesting quota reforms in Dhaka and other parts of the country.
17 victims, mostly students including minors, were killed as police and some members of the ruling party Awami League attacked protesters, Anadolu Agency reported.
12 new fatalities were recorded in Dhaka, two in the Narsingdi district, two in the port city of Chattogram and one in the central Madaripur district, according to local newspaper Prothom Alo.
Additionally, one victim was killed after being trapped in clashes between protesters and police early in Dhaka’s Jatrabari neighbourhood and two more were also killed in Dhaka, including a journalist.
The death toll has risen to 26 since Tuesday.
State-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) said its building was set on fire late Thursday.
Thousands of students have been demonstrating since July 1 after a court reinstated quotas for government jobs, which had been abolished in 2018.
Protesters are demanding changes to the system, which reserves 56% of public jobs for certain groups.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry, through the High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka, is closely monitoring the situation following the protests.
The ministry in a statement yesterday said the high commission is actively coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all Malaysians in the country despite challenges including widespread telecommunications disruptions.
“Following the onset of protests, Malaysian students in Dhaka were instructed to gather at the high commission for safety and further directives. These students were those from local educational institutions in Dhaka who were affected by the unrest,” said the ministry.
According to the statement, officials from the high commission had early engagements with these students to assess their needs and to provide immediate assistance.
In response to the evolving situation, it is exploring possible solutions including assisting travel arrangements to return to Malaysia and temporary shelters.
The Foreign Ministry urges all Malaysians residing in Bangladesh to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant, and follow all safety advice and updates provided by local authorities.
The ministry is committed to ensuring the safety of Malaysians abroad and will strive to keep the public informed of any recent developments, the statement added.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Malaysians requiring consular assistance may contact the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka at house number 19, road number 6, Baridhara Diplomatic Enclave, Dhaka – 1212 Bangladesh.
The embassy can be contacted by telephone at +880241081892 / 1895 or +88 018 4179 8077 (for emergencies only) and by email at [email protected]. – July 19, 2024